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Hernando Today

Local Gas Prices Could Soar This Week

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By TONY HOLT

Published: June 8, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - One week was all it took.

The encouraging signs seven days ago were merely another reason for motorists to have false hope.

Gas prices are on the rise again.

"It's like I work to put gas in the car," said Tracey Leschinski, who was filling her 2001 Toyota Camry with regular gas Sunday night. "I know it's going up more tomorrow. I've been watching the news."

The U.S. dollar showed strength June 1.

Oil refinery outputs were increasing.

Forecasters suggested oil prices were about to reach their peak.

All of a sudden, the U.S. Department of Labor reported unemployment had the highest single-month increase (5.0 to 5.5 percent) in more than two decades. Then there was that threat of an Israeli attack against Iran unless the latter gave up its nuclear program.

Crude oil prices spiked to record levels ($138.54 per barrel). For the first time, the national average for a gallon of gas inched above the $4 mark.

Florida's average is at $3.98, according to AAA Auto Club South.

Cumberland Farms, located at 5244 Mariner Blvd. had the cheapest gas in Hernando County as of 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Typically, business at the out-of-the-way shop is slow by the end of the weekend. Sunday was a different story.

"It's been busy today," said Keith Parham, who was working the register inside the store. "Sundays are usually dead."

At that moment, a gas truck pulled into the parking lot. It was an unusual sight to see that time of the week.

"I guess he's here to make sure we don't run out tonight," said Parham, who expected his pump prices to go up a few cents by this morning.

In the next month, everyone's gas prices are expected to rise — and by more than a few cents.

There have been forecasts suggesting oil prices would increase to more than $150 a barrel because of a strong demand from Asia.

Soaring gas costs have led to higher prices for food and other store-bought items because of an increase in transportation costs.

"It's been a killer," said Spring Hill resident Rebecca Reed, who was waiting in line to fill her Toyota Yaris at Cumberland Farms Sunday. "I've stopped buying what I was used to buying … Now I try to work a little more."

She drove by the station on her way home and noticed the sign for $3.81, the lowest price for a regular gallon of gas within 57 miles, according to www.GasBuddy.com.

Based on the national average, fuel prices have jumped 90 cents in the last year.

In Florida, prices have increased by nearly 93 cents.

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

Three cheapest places to buy gas in Hernando County as of Sunday, June 9*:

Cumberland Farms - $3.81 (5244 Mariner Blvd.)

RaceTrac - $3.82 (30480 Cortez Blvd.)

BP - $3.83 (1394 Commercial Way)

*Data from www.gasbuddy.com.

By TONY HOLT

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